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Landslide Repairs:
When a landslide occurs, it is often necessary to either rebuild the slope or retain a portion of land above the slide. Rebuilding the slope can involve removing the slide debris, excavating down to more stable soil, and then rebuilding the slope in shallow, compacted sections called lifts. Drainage improvements are usually made to the slope to improve its stability. It is also common to use synthetic soil reinforcement (geogrid) to strengthen repaired slopes that are steep or consist of weaker soils. In cases where the landslide cannot be repaired but property above the slide needs protection, a retaining wall can be installed along the upper portion of the landslide. This type of retaining wall usually has a deep foundation.
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Foundation Underpinning:
Underpinning is typically applied to a structure that has experienced differential foundation settlement. It involves the installation of deep piers or piles to support an existing foundation. Underpinning can be used to support all or part of a structure. The type of underpinning application used (concrete piers, steel piles, helical piers etc) depends largely on site conditions i.e. topography, soil type, and equipment access. Underpinning can be used in conjunction with re-leveling to both stabilize and lift the foundation |
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Re-leveling:
The term Re-leveling: refers to the lifting of a structure that has experienced differential settlement. There are three common types of Re-leveling
- Underpinning and Re-leveling: The existing foundation is underpinned and then Re-leveled by raising the foundation using hydraulic jacks.
- Cosmetic Re-leveling: The existing foundation remains in place while the structure's framing unfastened from the foundation and then lifted. A cap is installed on the foundation after Re-leveling and the framing is Re-attached.
- Pressure Grouting: This method is usually applicable to concrete slab floors. Holes are drilled through the concrete slab in a grid pattern and pressurized is pumped beneath the slab, lifting the structure
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Foundation Replacement:
There are certain instances when it becomes necessary to replace all or part of a foundation. The most common reasons for replacing a foundation are deterioration due to age, significant damage due to movement, and a few others. The normal procedure for foundation replacement involves temporary support of the structure, demolition of the existing foundation, and then forming and pouring the new foundation. Often, steel supports are used to temporarily support the perimeter of the structure and the supports are left in place and cast in the new foundation. |
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Foundation Reinforcement:
This is a method of repairing a damaged foundation without replacing it. The existing foundation is reinforced with a new adjacent foundation called a sister beam or grade beam. The reinforcing beam is structurally attached to the existing foundation and helps to carry the load that is placed on the foundation by the structure |
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Retaining Walls:
A retaining wall is simply a wall that holds back soil. Retaining walls can be made of many different materials such as wood, concrete, stone, masonry, prefabricated blocks and others. Retaining walls can have deep or shallow foundations, depending on the design requirements. |
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Creek Bank Repair
Bank failures are usually the result of water in a creek or river channel eroding the banks. Either the bottom (toe) of the bank is eroded away or an entire section of the bank is washed away from heavy storms (washout). A good portion of creek bank repair work involves protection of the bank from erosion. Bank protection can consist of rock rip rap (boulders), gabion baskets, concrete lining, prefabricated structures, and other environmentally compatible materials. |
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Drainage Systems:
Subdrains
The primary purpose of a subdrain is to intercept subsurface water. A subdrain consists of a perforated pipe backfilled with gravel and wrapped in filter fabric. Subdrains are commonly used to prevent water from entering a basement or crawl space. They are also used to control groundwater in slopes to maintain slope stability. Subdrains can also be used to minimize soil expansion near foundations.
Surface Drains
The purpose of a surface drain is to collect surface water. Surface drains can be anything from a 2-inch diameter patio drain to a 3-foot square drop inlet in a parking lot. Though surface drains collect water, they have a very different function than a subdrain.
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Seismic Upgrades (Earthquake Retrofitting):
One of the major concerns of homeowners in the Bay Area is the seismic stability of their home. We typically install earthquake retrofitting measures to increase a home’s ability to resist forces applied to it during an earthquake. Common upgrades include installing shear walls, foundation anchors, and steel connectors. |
